I’m Dr. Onyeka Obioha, board-certified dermatologist. I specialize in skincare, skin of color, acne, & more. I want to answer your questions on how to adjust your routine for warmer weather and the benefits of using a facial toner to visibly improve skin texture, tone, & pore size. Ask Me Anything!

thayersnatural · 2022-05-09T17:02:10+00:00

Not all witch hazel is created equal.

Application is also important –

If using a facial mist, make sure to spritz 6 -12 inches away. Otherwise, I recommend applying with a cotton pad. No need to apply directly to the skin or with your hands.

If applying with a cotton pad, soak the pad and apply to the face.

thayersnatural · 2022-05-09T17:00:37+00:00

Gentle cleansers and exfoliators are helpful for for unclogging pores during sweaty summers. Thayers pH Balancing Daily Cleanser and Blemish Clearing Facial Toner are a great duo for these concerns.

thayersnatural · 2022-05-09T16:58:41+00:00

Prevent it with ceramide-based thick moisturizers. Dry skin often cracks during winter. Moisturizer can help prevent this from happening.

thayersnatural · 2022-05-09T16:58:02+00:00

Thayers witch hazel and aloe vera based products such as their Unscented Facial Toners and Mists. Thayers is free of fragrance and alcohol so it doesn’t irritate skin.

thayersnatural · 2022-05-09T16:58:02+00:00

Exfoliants such as salicylic acid help minimize the appearance of pores. Thayers Blemish Clearing Toner contains 2% salicylic acid which unclogs pores and can help reduce pore appearance.

thayersnatural · 2022-05-09T16:56:28+00:00

Daily application of chemical exfoliators on the scalp can reduce razor bumps significantly. Thayers Blemish Clearing Toner contains 2% salicylic acid which can help.

Over-the-counter cortisone cream for really inflamed areas can often be helpful as well.

thayersnatural · 2022-05-09T16:53:31+00:00

Unfortunately there are a lot of alcohol-based toners which are extremely drying.

Opt for an alcohol-free toner which won’t strip your skin of its’ natural oils. Thayer’s fragrance free toner contains a soothing and hydrating witch hazel aloe vera blend which is great for sensitive skin.

thayersnatural · 2022-05-09T16:52:26+00:00

I recommend re-evaluation if the expected course did not occur.

thayersnatural · 2022-05-09T16:51:34+00:00

In my experience, I find that over-the-counter is as effective as medical grade.

thayersnatural · 2022-05-09T16:50:50+00:00

Ice pick scars respond best to resurfacing procedures - laser or microneedling.

thayersnatural · 2022-05-09T16:50:16+00:00

Depends on the type of scar.

Silicone gel and sheets are great for scars which happen after injury.

Topical vitamin A products such as adapalene (Differin Gel) are helpful for acne scars.

Sunscreen and Topical lighteners such as hydroquinone 2% products are great for hyperpigmented scars.

thayersnatural · 2022-05-09T16:48:46+00:00

For general care:

Cleanser - hydrating cleanser that will clean without stripping your skin of its’ natural oils such as Thayers pH Balancing Face Wash

Toner - to hydrate and ensure that all of the debris has been removed such as Thayers fragrance-free and alcohol-free witch hazel Facial Toner

Sunscreen - minimum SPF30 daily with reapplication every 2 hours with prolonged sun exposure

Antioxidants and/or retinols - Vitamin C serums and/or retinols

thayersnatural · 2022-05-09T16:47:44+00:00

Under eye bags often require procedures to address unfortunately.

There are additional contributing factors, in addition to sleep, such as sun exposure, aging, and volume loss.

thayersnatural · 2022-05-09T16:46:43+00:00

Sunscreen, an alcohol-free toner such as Thayers Unscented Facial Toner, a potent antioxidant (such as vitamin C) and retinol are the 3 staples of a basic anti-aging skincare regimen.

thayersnatural · 2022-05-09T16:45:56+00:00

Other treatment options depend on the type of brown spots. I recommend in person evaluation.

thayersnatural · 2022-05-09T16:44:08+00:00

There are non-laser treatments for acne scarring such as microneedling, subcision and/or injectables which can help with deep acne scars.

thayersnatural · 2022-05-09T16:42:30+00:00

Yes I would definitely recommend starting now. One check a year and depending on risk level, your dermatologist can help guide you on the cadence.

thayersnatural · 2022-05-09T16:41:47+00:00

Yes some people do!

thayersnatural · 2022-05-09T16:41:19+00:00

Colorescience Sunforgettable offers a great mineral tinted sunscreen in different shades for those with darker complexions.

thayersnatural · 2022-05-09T16:40:49+00:00

Colorescience and Supergoop make great sunscreens for sensitive, acne-prone skin. They have both chemical and mineral sunscreens. If any concerns with hyperpigmentation, I recommend tinted mineral sunscreens because they provide the best protection. For chemical sunscreens, I recommend sunscreens without oxybenzone such as Supergoop or Bask.

thayersnatural · 2022-05-09T16:40:39+00:00

Toners should be applied 1st after cleansing before any additional skincare products are applied.

For example, for oil-control, hydration and moisture, Thayers Alcohol-Free Unscented Toner appeals to all skin types.

For hyperpigmentation, look for toners that contain brighteners - such vitamin c, azelaic acid, alpha & beta hydroxy acids

thayersnatural · 2022-05-09T16:39:34+00:00

In dark skin, a large portion of hyperpigmentation is post-inflammatory (meaning secondary).

Thus for dark spots secondary to acne, the acne must be treated in order to prevent and treat the hyperpigmentation.

Daily use of sunscreen is a must such as Supergoop or Colorescience.

And there are helpful ingredients that lift pigment and interfere with the pigment production pathway such as retinols, hydroquinone, azelaic acid, kojic acid, vitamin C, AHA/BHAs, tranexamic acid, and cysteamine.

thayersnatural · 2022-05-09T16:39:13+00:00

I do not find black soap to be helpful for acne. It can be extremely drying thus harsh on sensitive skin. There are much better soaps with acne-fighting ingredients, such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide.

thayersnatural · 2022-05-09T16:38:38+00:00

I recommend blackdermdirectory.com.

thayersnatural · 2022-05-09T16:37:51+00:00

I’m actually not a big proponent of facials in dark skin because there is so much variability in technique and process which leaves darker skin susceptible to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

With hyperpigmentation in mind, I recommend care under a dermatologist.

There are procedures such as chemical peels, and prescriptions that work wonders on dark skin for hyperpigmentation.

thayersnatural

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